Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges the Nigerian Senate operates like a “cult” following her suspension after reporting sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her claims reveal systemic issues regarding gender equality and safety for women in politics amidst a backdrop of low female representation. As she pursues legal avenues to address her suspension and harassment allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan garners support and faces backlash within a politically charged atmosphere in Nigeria.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Nigerian senator, accused the Senate of functioning like a “cult” following her suspension after alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She stated that the Senate is governed by dictatorial principles, limiting freedom of speech and punishing dissent. Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted her concern for her safety and that of her child, as her security detail was removed after her allegations were made public.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, refuted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, asserting that her legislative activities contradict her accusations of being silenced. Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed a history of alleged harassment by Akpabio, asserting that inappropriate comments and suggestive gestures initiated in 2023 persisted for several months. Nwebonyi denied the allegations, stating that Akpabio did not make any unwanted advances during a prior visit.
Statistics show that Nigeria has one of the lowest ratios of female representation in parliament, with Akpoti-Uduaghan being one of only four female senators in a legislature of 109 members. Following her suspended petition against Akpabio, the ethics committee penalized her for disruptive behavior, reinforcing her claims of targeting within a male-dominated Senate. She expressed fears of violence due to her outspoken stance against the system, referencing past incidents where critics of the government faced lethal consequences.
Civil society organizations have raised alarms regarding her treatment, demanding an official investigation into her claims. Women’s rights activist Hadiza Ado lamented the societal implications of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension amidst a predominantly male Senate. While some supporters rallied for her cause, other groups expressed backing for Akpabio during protests in Abuja, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding the allegations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has encountered a barrage of misogynistic backlash online since voicing her experiences, reflecting a broader pattern of violence against women in politics. Her political journey has been fraught with challenges, including perspectives on her mixed-race heritage during prior electoral campaigns. Despite her setbacks in political office, she has moved forward with legal actions to reverse her suspension and readdress her harassment claims, drawing strength from numerous women who have reached out in solidarity, encouraging her to act on their behalf in the fight against gender-based discrimination.
In summary, the allegations made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Nigerian Senate reveal disturbing insights into the gender dynamics and operational culture within the institution. Facing suspension for her claims of harassment from a senior politician, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of accountability, drawing attention to the broader issues of women’s representation and safety in governance. Her case continues to provoke debates about gender equality in Nigeria, galvanizing both support and opposition amidst societal challenges. The response from civil society and her allies signals a collective demand for change in a historically male-dominated political environment.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
